My 4 year old son has ADHD. About 6 months ago he was prescribed Methlyn - 5 mg. School and daycare noticted a big improvement, but at home he seemed out of it. He was spacy and didn't want to do much. He seemed to lose a lot of his happy, good natured personality (but he was much less hyper and did better at school). Eventually we started giving him 2.5 mg instead (morning and lunch). He seemed to be more like himself, but was was having a harder time at school and daycare again. A week or so ago we met with his pedatrician again and he suggested we try Adderall XR - 5 mgs. He has been on it 4 days. The first 3 days he had daycare & preschool. They again noticed a big improvement and were happy with the results. We he came home at night he was fine too. I thought this might be what we needed until today when I gave him one before church. I normally don't give him meds on the weekend, but I wanted to see how he acted on the Adderall. He laid on me and barely moved through church. He is not happy, but not angry either (kind of emotionless). Does anyone have any advice? I feel torn between what his teachers are seeing and what I see. How could there be such a discrepency?
Hi Angiem,
First, know that it can take a while- sometimes a long while- to get the right meds and the right dosaging.
But in this case, I would probably want to observe your son at school to see what the teachers are seeing and reporting. If he's lethargic, spacey and shows a change in personality, that might be something the teachers don't have a problem with, but you as his parent, should. Those side effects are not desirable.
For many, they point to the possibility that the dosage is too high. Or that it's the wrong med for him.
I might also talk to the teachers and have them describe to you what he was like before meds vs on meds. What you are looking for is a decrease in hyperactivity, but not to the point where he's sedated or lethargic. But you also should chart his behaviors- give a list to your teacher and keep one yourself. As meds wear off, behaviors change, so you may be seeing something different than the teachers.
I would definitely bring up your concerns to your son's pediatrician. You know your son best and it sounds like his response to these meds or doses are not what they could or should be.
Terry
The school may be pleased with the results of the medication because it makes him more docile and compliant. I would you recommend that you start any new med or change in his prescription on a weekend so that you can observe him.
I am surprised that you only give him his meds during the week. He may need to take his meds 7 days a week. It must be a shock to his system to have it, then go without it. Ask you doctor about this. My son has always taken his 7 days a week because the meds help him interact with people. During the summer, we lower the dose and I let him run to his heart's desire.
You should give any med as least 2 weeks to see the full effect, unless he is having a bad reaction. After 2 weeks, his body should have adjusted and you wll know how effective it is or isn't.
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